"She has tried to step up her scoring," WMU coach Tasha McDowell said. "We have challenged her to step up her scoring and to consistently average double figures. She has done that."

Banktson used her career night Jan. 17 against Central Michigan to jump start her most productive stretch of the season. She scored 23 points in the loss to the Chippewas and has averaged 17.2 points ever since.

Her long-range stroke was on display during the team's lone conference win against Eastern Michigan Jan. 21, where she hit a career-high four 3-pointers.

"I don't think all of a sudden Brenna has a hot night," McDowell said. "She can shoot the ball. There might be some days that they're falling a little more than others, but statistically, she's shooting well."

The elevated play still hasn't lifted the Broncos out of the cellar in the conference rankings, where they shoot 39.3 percent on the year, pegged at No. 10.

SATURDAY'S CONTEST HITS NATIONAL AUDIENCE
Saturday's home tilt against MAC East foe Bowling Green will be the first nationally televised women's basketball contest from University Arena. Originally scheduled for 2 p.m., the Broncos will take on the Falcons at noon on ESPNU.

Admission to the game is free with a voucher that can be picked up at various area businesses and restaurants.

"(Televised games are) important for recruiting," McDowell said. "I think the biggest thing about being on TV all the time is that your recruits get to see you. I think it's a great thing for the University and the program, but we can't put anymore weight on that game than any other game. We're glad ESPN chose to pick that game up."

WMU'S FOUL PLAY
The Broncos have handed opponents a boatload of free shots. In the past two games, Western Michigan sent opponents to the free throw line 59 times, yielding 50 points.

"We're not even as physical as I'd like us to be, honestly, but I don't think we're anticipating really well or reacting and I think that's getting us in a little bit of foul trouble," McDowell said.

McDowell added that on a team with players logging big minutes, fatigue can play a factor in excessive fouling.